distinctive feature

noun

Linguistics.

1. a feature of the sound system of a language that serves as the crucial distinguishing mark between two phonemes, as the distinctive feature of voicing, which distinguishes b from p in English, or nasality, which distinguishes m from b and p.

2. any of a set of phonetic properties, as coronal, nasal, or strident, serving as a basic unit of phonological analysis by which the sounds that are significant in a language can be characterized and distinguished from one another.

3. a component or phonetic feature characterizing a phoneme.

Word History and Origins

Origin of distinctive feature¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

How such a distinctive feature remained hidden for so long became clear as scientists examined historical research methods.

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Great British Chefs specified that tonka’s “most distinctive feature” is their “enormous potency — heady vanilla flavours, with oily clove aromas, and perfumed magnolia, sandalwood notes.”

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Judge Capstick said a distinctive feature belonging to the teenager could be matched to the figure shown on the footage.

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BBC Verify has confirmed this was filmed at the north-western part of the town by matching distinctive features shown on satellite maps.

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The killings captured on such videos usually take place in woods or fields lacking distinctive features, which makes confirming their exact location difficult.

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